Backstage update on Sami Zayn vs Kevin Owens’ botched match finish on WWE SmackDown
The Undisputed title was once again contested on SmackDown.
Two weeks ago in Mexico City, Sami Zayn pinned CM Punk in the main event of SmackDown to regain the Undisputed WWE title, kicking off his second World title reign. However, once again his title reign was in serious trouble of being even shorter than his first reign that lasted 9 days.
Zayn was booked in an impromptu title defense against Kevin Owens, who made his case for the title shot by reminding GM Nick Aldis how Sami cost him the title match against Punk in Quebec. The two stars collided in the main event of this past Friday’s SmackDown in Corpus Christi, Texas.
The match featured interference from Johnny Gargano, Candice LeRae, and CM Punk, with the latter’s arrival setting up the finish that saw Sami retain the title and surpass his first title reign before this week’s SmackDown comes around.
However, the match finish featured a botched pinfall sequence that quickly went viral online. We now have the backstage update on the finishing sequence, courtesy of Fightful Select.
Sami Zayn vs Kevin Owens was planned to end after the title shot by CM Punk
Catch Every Update, Anytime, Anywhere
During the finishing sequence, Johnny Gargano tried to attack Kevin Owens with the title, but Owens retaliated with a Stunner. However, Candice LeRae continued distracting the official as CM Punk arrived, attacking Owens with the title as payback for KO doing the same to him in his title defense against Zayn.
After Punk‘s attack, Sami went for the cover, and Owens kicked out awkwardly, just lifting his shoulder up. However, many eagle-eyed fans also pointed out that the referee stopped counting before KO lifted his shoulder.
Nevertheless, Sami followed it up with the Helluva Kick to pin Owens and retain the title. Regarding the botched finish, Fightful reports that Owens was originally not supposed to kick out after the belt shot by Punk.
The match was planned to end there, but after the referee didn’t call for the bell, the finish had to be changed.
For the full results & highlights of the September 18 edition of SmackDown, click here.
Why did the title match between Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens end awkwardly?
Fightful reports that Owens was originally not supposed to kick out after the belt shot by Punk. The match was planned to end there, but after the referee didn’t call for the bell, the finish had to be changed.
Has Sami Zayn surpassed his first World title reign?
Yes, by retaining the title against Kevin Owens, Zayn has hit the 9-day mark as the champion, and with SmackDown scheduled for this Friday, he is going to surpass his first and short World title reign.
For more updates, follow Khel Now Wrestling on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram & Whatsapp.